Magnolia stellata

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42.14689636, -87.78572083

42.14729691, -87.7935257

42.14744568, -87.78605652

42.14744568, -87.78604889

42.14745331, -87.78606415

42.14749527, -87.7859726

42.14749527, -87.78596497

42.1475029, -87.78588867

42.1475296, -87.78594208

42.14755249, -87.78591156

42.14788055, -87.79134369

42.14810944, -87.78639984

42.14810944, -87.78637695

42.14811325, -87.78635406

42.14823914, -87.79289246

Star Magnolia

Star magnolia, native to Japan, is one of the earliest magnolias to bloom in the spring, which makes the buds vulnerable to a late frost. Large, delicate white to light pink flowers with numerous strap-like petals open in April and are quite fragrant. The star magnolia's dark-green leaves turn yellow to bronze in fall.

Members of the genus Magnolia are known for the stunning beauty of their usually large flowers, which emerge prior to the foliage in spring, and are often fragrant. While shades of pink are the most common bloom color, the Magnolia palette also includes white, yellows, and purples. Another dominant feature is a prominent fruiting body of small follicles forming a cone-like shape. The species range from small trees to very large trees and shrubs.

Magnolias are an ancient genus that appeared before bees; early pollinators are believed to have been beetles. They are native to eastern and southeastern Asia and eastern North America, Central and South America; most are not hardy in the Chicago region. Buds and blooms of the magnolias that do thrive here are often subject to damage from cold spring nights. The genus includes of 300 species and numerous hybrids and cultivars. The Chicago Botanic Garden's collection includes almost 60 varieties of magnolia and more than 150 plants.

Soil:
Moderate
Plant Shape:
Upright
Exposure:
Full Sun
Bloom Time:
March - April
Bloom Color:
White
Landscape Use:
Bedding or Border
Specimen Plant
Plant Type:
Tree
Hardiness Zone:
4 - 9